Private tutoring for young children may widen Hertfordshire school attainment gap

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 05:17 · Archive

A Hertfordshire councillor has suggested that private tutoring for children as young as six is widening the attainment gap between advantaged and disadvantaged pupils.

A Hertfordshire county councillor has suggested that private tutoring for young children is widening the attainment gap between pupils in the county's schools. Although Hertfordshire children exceed national exam results at every stage, those eligible for free school meals fare significantly worse than their classmates.

Counsellor Paula Hiscocks raised the concern during a meeting of the county council's education, SEND and inclusion cabinet panel on 2 November, as the council discussed its draft School Improvement Strategy 2026-29. She said that some Hertfordshire parents were paying for additional tuition for their children from the age of six, with some choosing to buy in additional support rather than send their children to private school.

"My concern is that in Hertfordshire especially the gap between our disadvantaged children and our ordinary children is widening," Cllr Hiscocks said. "And I think some of this is because children as young as six are having extra tuition." She cited examples including Kumon tutoring and private reading support. "What is happening, I think, is that our disadvantaged children are becoming even more disadvantaged," she said, asking what the county council could do to "make sure there is more of a level playing field".

How it is being reported

• Private tutoring for children as young as six may widen Hertfordshire attainment gapThe use of private tutors to coach children as young as six is widening the attainment gap between pupils in Hertfordshire schools, a county councillor has suggested.The Comet · 4 Nov, 04:01
• Private tutoring for children as young as six may widen Hertfordshire attainment gapThe use of private tutors to coach children as young as six is widening the attainment gap between pupils in Hertfordshire schools, a county councillor has suggested.Herts Advertiser · 4 Nov, 04:01

In this story: Paula Hiscocks · Hertfordshire · Kumon

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